2026 NFL Mock Draft

The Raiders are desperate for a quarterback, so they did whatever it took to obtain one. This included sitting their best player after he expressed a desire to beat his opponent. The nerve!

Geno Smith has been terrible this year, which may have surprised ESPN’s atrocious hires, one of whom said that Smith was a top-10 NFL quarterback when he was traded to Las Vegas. Smith was one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL, so the Raiders will be drafting a new franchise signal-caller.

Fernando Mendoza has great size, arm strength, and accuracy. He was seen as raw entering the 2025 season, but he had a tremendous year.

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The Jets obviously need a quarterback. Unfortunately for them, Dante Moore went back to school, so they’ll have to settle for an option via trade or free agency unless they fall in love with Ty Simpson.

New York will now use this selection on the best defensive player available. Help is needed everywhere on a stop unit ranked 29th in EPA.

Arvell Reese is a special player because of his incredible instincts and athleticism.

The Cardinals ranked 28th in defense during the second half of the season. They need to acquire the best defensive player possible so that they can actually stop someone next year.

David Bailey is a fast edge rusher with great potential.

The Titans have one of the worst defenses in the NFL. They need to find the best defensive player possible. Quandre Diggs is an impending free agent, so safety will be a big need if he departs.

Caleb Downs projects as one of the top play-making safeties in the NFL in several years.

The Giants need to give Jaxson Dart as much protection as possible, but the best non-quarterbacks in this draft are defensive players. They have issues all over the place on their defense, so they should take the best player possible to improve their horrible stop unit.

Mansoor Delane is very instinctive with nice size.

The Browns are out of range for a top-two quarterback, so they could take the third signal-caller on the board. However, ownership seems to like Shedeur Sanders, so they may want to give him one more year. If so, it wouldn’t hurt to protect him better.

Francis Mauigoa has immense upside as a potential left tackle in the NFL. His brother was just drafted in the fifth round.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a fun story because he liked to be called Bill for some reason, but the Redskins need to make sure that Jayden Daniels can lean on a potent rushing attack so that he’s not taking too many hits.

Jeremiyah Love is a powerful, downhill runner with plus receiving ability.

Cameron Jordan is very close to retirement. The Saints need to get better and younger on the defensive line to have a better chance against Baker Mayfield.

Rueben Bain was very productive as a freshman and has a ton of upside.

Pick change; previously Jordyn Tyson, WR

The Chiefs had a poor pass rush last year, which is why they couldn’t stop any passing attacks. This will have to be addressed in free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft.

Keldric Faulk has a great mix of power and speed on the edge. He didn’t have a great 2025 season, but his upside will make him a potential top-10 pick.

Pick change; previously Rueben Bain, DE

The Bengals have severe issues throughout their defense, so taking the best player on that side of the ball makes sense.

Sonny Styles is a versatile linebacker who plays well in coverage.

The Dolphins have looked like the worst team in the NFL at times this year, and part of that is Tua Tagovailoa’s incompetence. They could go after a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, but perhaps the new ex-Packers regime will go after Malik Willis. If so, they’ll need someone to help protect that quarterback.

Spencer Fano needs to fill out his frame, but he was stationed at left tackle as a freshman.

The Cowboys gave up 450 passing yards to Russell Wilson and then allowed Caleb Williams to have the best performance of his career. Dallas’ miserable defense needs help at every level.

Jermod McCoy is an instinctive cornerback who tackles well, but is coming off a torn ACL.

Pick change; previously Keldric Faulk, DE/DT

Davante Adams is 33, while Cooper Kupp is gone. The Rams need a receiver for the future.

Carnell Tate didn’t do much as a freshman, but the tall receiver had a breakout sophomore campaign.

The Ravens don’t have anything at receiver outside of Zay Flowers.

Jordyn Tyson is a speedy, explosive receiver with quality size.

Pick change; previously Makai Lemon, WR

The Buccaneers really need to improve their pass rush if they don’t want to be shredded by Michael Penix Jr.

Zion Young has good size and length. There’s plenty of upside.

This new pick for the Jets could be anything. It could even be Sauce Gardner. Or, perhaps a quarterback they could have taken at No. 2, but will be getting for far more value at No. 16.

Ty Simpson has won some big games and has thrived with his superb ball placement. He’s an intelligent quarterback who throws with great timing and anticipation.